Minerals Report - International Seabed Authority

He noted that another product of hot springs, in addition to minerals
and biological organisms is heat. He illustrated potential areas within the
Pacific Ocean basin that are potential geothermal resources. He suggested
that so far geothermal energy has only been practiced to tap where the
submerged volcanic mountain range intersects land such as in the Gulf of
Mexico. He also informed participants that one such deposit was being
exploited in Cero Prieto in the Gulf of Mexico.
With regard to marine mineral deposits that have a double source, the
continents on the one hand and the deep ocean basin on the other hand, Dr.
Rona indicated that a primary example was polymetallic nodules. He stated
that prior to the advent of plate tectonics, it was thought that all the
manganese in this resource was supplied by manganese dissolved from
continental rocks and carried into the ocean by rivers. He noted that while
this hypothesis may have been adequate to explain the source of manganese
and some of the associated metals, the composition of the nodules in terms of
cobalt, nickel, iron and manganese is related to proximity to sources of hot
springs and other factors.
On environmental considerations, Professor Rona mentioned that the
seafloor contains a high biodiversity with millions of species. He said that
the species diversity of marine life is so high that an investigation found new
species in every square metre of sediments sampled. He noted that although
sediments appear barren, they are actually full of life. With regard to hot
springs, Dr. Rona said that every hydrothermal field examined to date has
some species that are not found in any other field. He mentioned the need for
environmental assessment prior to mining and working towards a common
taxonomy for these animals.
Dr. Rona ended his presentation by noting that only 5 percent of the
deep ocean basins have been explored. He emphasized that all deposits that
have been found are associated with some living organisms. He concluded by
saying that the international community’s discoveries of mineral and living
resources will continue to expand with advances in scientific knowledge of
earth and ocean processes.
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